Kevin Nelson

Kevin Nelson, 67, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Atlantic Specialty Care in Atlantic.

Born to John William and Lucille Mildred (Brewer) Nelson, on October 6, 1958, at the Audubon Hospital, Kevin grew up in Audubon County, Iowa and graduated from Exira High School in 1977. He attended trade school for carpentry and returned to Exira to work construction. Later, he worked at Glacier in Atlantic, Iowa and Quality Machine in Audubon as a Machinist for many years.

Family became his greatest love! He jumped in with both feet to be a father, when he married Candis Andersen on March 10, 1990. Together with Candis, he loved raising and supporting his kids. He would later become “Papa” to his grandkids which he felt was his greatest joy!

Kevin loved spending his leisure time with his kids and grandkids. He was well known for being a mean “Sorry” player . . . literally . . . yelling, “YOU CHEATED!!!” when anyone else won. He especially loved knocking people’s token off the board with a dramatic flourish when he was winning . . . “SORRRRYYYYY!” He was amazing at Scrabble, Chess and Crossword Puzzles; and they never found a word he could not spell.

He looked forward to wintertime when he could spin cookies around the frozen pond with the 4-wheeler. Winter always seemed to bring out his most fun ideas like pulling sleds behind the 4-wheeler, ice fishing, and even having a bonfire on the porch!

Kevin enjoyed bow hunting, fishing, and taking his kids and grandkids on 4-wheeler rides. He even built his own figure 8 dirt track on his property to enjoy his 4-wheelers. As he would say, “The faster the better!” His fun-loving spirit will always be remembered as he reminded us to “stay a kid” and have fun in life!

There was always a black lab (or some mutt that looked like a black lab) by his side; Otter was his favorite purebred. Together with his friends and dog, they practically lived on the pond where he would frequently take out the boat to land a big one. Fishing with his life-long friend, Dave Mullan, racked up decades-worth of precious memories. Kevin also claimed to be a “bottom shelf whiskey drinker,” who savored “Old Crow” and “drinking his supper” from time to time while sharing his dry sense of humor and telling tall tales.

He was a fairly private man and did not like to draw attention to himself. Those who really knew him saw a man who possessed deep wisdom and compassion which overflowed into a great love for his family, his greatest accomplishment and gift.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Candis Nelson, of Atlantic; son, Wade (Amanda) Harris of Marshalltown, Iowa; daughter, Natalie (Stephen) Ritter of Atlantic; and grandchildren, Oliver, London, Briton, Gavin, Annika, Tessa, Corbin and Nellee.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Lucille Nelson, and his in-laws, Bernard and Joan Andersen.

A visitation with family present will be held, Saturday, October 10th from 1 to 3 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Kevin's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.